Travel Guides

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

This important Hawaiian cultural and historical site on the
black-lava Kona Coast of the Big Island contains some
forbidding-looking giant idols, although it was in fact built as a
refuge for ancient Hawaiians who had violated kapu (social taboo)
or as a sanctuary for defeated warriors. The surrounding area
outside the huge enclosing wall was home to several generations of
powerful chiefs.

The 182-acre park also boasts other archaeological sites
including some temple platforms, royal fishponds and the ruins of
ancient villages. The Hale o Keawe temple, which contains the
mortal remains of 23 Hawaiian chiefs, and some thatched buildings
have been reconstructed.